Posts Tagged ‘Datuk Seri Douglas Uggah Embas’

Malaysia’s Parliament is currently debating a new comprehensive wildlife law, the Wildlife Conservation Act. If passed-and MPs have only a few days to do it-the new law will be the first major wildlife law reform since 1972!

Having a good law on the books will be a key to protecting Malaysia’s wildlife, to changing Malaysia’s reputation as a global wildlife trafficking hub, and to setting the country on track to becoming a regional leader on protecting its remarkable environment.

Of course, good laws are only as strong as law enforcement. The Ministry of Environment has taken positive steps to reform law enforcement and administration in the past year, but the Wildlife Department (Perhilitan) has a history of speaking one way to the media and the Ministry, and another to its “clients” in the wildife trade. It takes both law reform and law enforcement reform to make a difference. Passing this new law is certainly the first part of that equation.

Hopefully, the debate this week will cover both the law and its enforcement.

Government Lauded For Tougher Wildlife Conservation Laws

KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 (Bernama) — The tabling of the Wildlife Conservation Bill 2010 last week, with tougher penalties, is welcomed by the Malaysian Nature Society, Traffic Southeast Asia and the Wildlife Conservation Society-Malaysia.

The three non-profit organisations congratulated the government for the long-awaited bill to strengthen enforcement against illegal hunting and trade.

“We hope this new law will provide better protection for Malaysia’s wildlife and close the gaps that have allowed wildlife criminals to continue operating.

“We are glad to note the Bill’s provision for higher penalties and tougher action. This new Bill features many improvements, and we hope the ministry will continue to review and update the law, specifically the Schedules for Protected and Totally Protected Species, as threats and trends dictate,” they said in a joint statement Monday.

They hoped enforcement agencies would make full use of the new legislation to act against poachers, smugglers and illegal wildlife traders.